The Direct Selling Association kicked off the 18th Annual TODAY Show Holiday Toy and Gift Drive in November 2011 by presenting the direct selling industry’s donation live in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

Twenty-four direct selling companies donated a total of nearly $16.5 million in products and cash to the Toy Drive. In its eight years of participation, DSA member companies have donated more than $85 million in products, services and cash to the Toy Drive.

Participating companies donated items from books, stuffed animals and fashion accessories to clothing and toiletries for children and families across the country.

“Participation in the Toy Drive is a natural fit for direct selling companies,” says Amy Robinson, U.S. DSA Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Every day, direct sellers help others achieve their goals through the products and opportunities they offer, but their involvement in charitable and philanthropic activities reinforces the positive impact direct selling has on millions of lives each year.”

The TODAY Show Toy Drive is a project of the Today Show Charitable Foundation Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.